Norma Zenteno, a Houston musical icon and fixture at Sambuca, dies at 60 after cancer battle

Published 11:15 pm, Friday, February 22, 2013

Guitarist Norma Zenteno, who came from a musical family dynasty, had a regular gig at Sambuca.

Guitarist Norma Zenteno, who came from a musical family dynasty, had a regular gig at Sambuca.

Photo: Mayra Beltran, Staff

Norma Zenteno, a Houston musical icon and fixture at Sambuca, dies at 60 after cancer battle

1 / 1

Back to Gallery

Norma Zenteno, one of Houston's most enduring performers and part of a musical family dynasty, died Friday evening of breast cancer complications. She was 60 years old.

Her family kept fans updated via her Facebook page.

"We are heartbroken to report that Norma Zenteno passed away tonight," read the most recent post. "We have no words to express our sorrow at this time."

Zenteno announced she was battling Stage 2 breast cancer earlier this year. She started chemotherapy this month and was having a "rough time." Her kidneys started shutting down Wednesday, and she went into cardiac arrest early Thursday morning.

The fiery singer had a regular Thursday gig at Sambuca for years. She effortlessly mixed Latin, jazz and rock in both English and Spanish. Her band included brothers Javier, Bobby and Ernie.

Roberto Zenteno, Norma's father and a Mexican trumpet prodigy who led big bands in Houston for five decades, died in 2004. His daughter carried on his legacy, and despite early acclaim and chances to take it national, seemed happy showcasing it for fans in Houston.

"I've always been very comfortable with where I am," she told the Houston Chronicle in 2002. "I've had offers, but they weren't right for me at that moment."

A benefit concert that had been planned to help the family with medical expenses will still be held as "a tribute to the life of this beautiful and extraordinary woman," according to the family. The benefit will be from 3 to 8 p.m. on Sunday at SRO's Sports Bar & Café.